2 killed, 9 arrested in Bulacan anti-drug war

CAMP ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan — Two suspected drug pushers were killed and nine others were arrested during the simultaneous police operations against illegal drugs conducted by Bulacan police on Thursday and early morning of Friday.

Superintendent Chito G. Bersaluna, acting provincial director of Bulacan Police Provincial Office, identified the fatalities as Constantine Lester Belvis, 30, a resident of Lot 12, Block 1, Tierra de Sta. Maria Subdivision, Barangay Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria; and Bienvenido Garcia, 47, of No. 0764 Sitio Sabitan, Barangay Sto. Rosario, City of Malolos.

Bersaluna said that  based on the report of Sta. Maria police, a shoot-out ensued in Barangay Pulong Buhangin between the drug operatives and suspect Belvis around 1:30 a.m. on Friday.

“Investigation revealed that during the transaction, the suspect noticed the presence of the police officers. He drew his firearm and fired towards the operatives which prompted them to retaliate, resulting in his death,” Bersaluna said.

On the other hand, Superintendent Heryl Bruno, Malolos City police chief, said that at about 4:15 p.m. Thursday, an armed encounter ensued between anti-drugs operatives of Malolos against suspect Garcia during a buy-bust operation .

“After a consummated drug deal, Garcia resisted arrest and ran towards inside his residence and fired his gun towards the police operatives that  prompted to fire back . This led to a brief exchange of gunfire that resulted in the suspect’s neutralization,” Bruno said.

Recovered from Belvis were four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”, a caliber .38 revolver; Armscor firearm without serial number loaded with two fired cartridge cases and three live ammunition; three caliber 9mm fired cartridge cases; buy-bust money; and assorted drug paraphernalia;

Seized from Garcia, on the other hand, were 20 small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”; one improvised shotgun loaded with one 12-gauge shotshell; six fired cartridge cases for caliber 9 mm; and buy-bust money.

Meanwhile, Bersaluna  said that nine  other drug suspects were nabbed in different drug sting operations conducted in the City of San Jose Del Monte; and in the towns of Norzagaray, Obando, San Rafael, Bocaue, and San Miguel.

The arrested suspects were identified as Victor Bigay Tindugan, a surrenderer of Oplan Tokhang;  Mark Singalawa; Alexander Singalawa; Anthony Pantillano; Jonathan Artiaga; Paulo Manahan; Christopher Elegado; Jay Ar Santos; and a 17-year-old Child in Conflict with Law (CICL).

Confiscated during the operations were 35 pieces heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected “shabu”, buy-bust money and assorted drug paraphernalia.

The arrested suspects and confiscated pieces of evidence were brought to Bulacan Crime Laboratory Office for examination while appropriate criminal complaints against them are now being prepared for filing in court. (PNA)

Popular

DOJ tasks PNP, NBI to ‘effect the arrest’ of Bato

By Brian Campued “We’re pursuing this so that the ends of justice may be achieved.” The Department of Justice (DOJ) has given the greenlight for law...

PH earns 76/100 transparency score in int’l survey

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet “These achievements are encouraging. For us in government, these however, are not the destination.” In his keynote speech on Wednesday, Department of...

PBBM to LGUs: Ensure efficient use of budget for community empowerment

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged local government units (LGUs) to ensure the prudent and...

ICC warrant vs. Bato ‘valid’ after SC rejection of TRO request —Palace

By Brian Campued The warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is “valid,” according to Palace...